FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2018
OILERS STUMBLE IN LOSS TO MALLARDS
Tulsa runs into hot goaltending from C.J. Motte in 3-2 loss at the BOK Center and falls into fifth in the playoff race with seven games left.
TULSA, OK – The Quad City Mallards knocked off the red-hot Tulsa Oilers 3-2 Friday at the BOK Center to snap an eight-game losing skid, knocking the Oilers back to fifth in the Mountain Division playoff race with seven games to play.
Quad City struck first when Alex Globke tipped a shot from the point past Oilers goaltender Jake Hildebrand 10:40 into the first period. The Oilers outshot the Mallards 12-10 in the frame, but trailed 1-0, as Tulsa was 0-for-2 on power play opportunities. The Mallards were also unsuccessful on three power plays in the period.
The Oilers tied the game when Eric Drapluk set up Alexandre Ranger for a one-timer in the slot at the 9:30 mark of the second period. The Mallards went back in front with 5:57 left in the middle stanza when Jamie Tardif scored on a blast from the slot right off of a faceoff win. Quad City goaltender C.J. Motte helped keep his team in front, stopping 31 of 32 shots in the first two periods.
Tardif added a second goal 7:25 into the third period to make it 3-1 for the Mallards, who protected their lead down the stretch. Steven Kaunisto scored a late power play goal from the point with eight seconds left, but Tulsa fell short in the 3-2 defeat. Motte stopped 40 of 42 shots in the win for Quad City, while Hildebrand stopped 27 in the loss.
Allen beat Kansas City 3-2 Friday to reclaim the fourth spot in the playoff race by two points over the Oilers with seven games remaining in the season.
Tulsa will channel its inner “Yellow Pages” Saturday night with special European-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off following the 7:05pm game against the Mallards at the BOK Center. Then the Oilers will host Marvel Super Hero Night Sunday dressed as Captain America for the 4:05pm weekend finale. Stick around for a postgame skate with the players. Ticket information for both games is available on www.tulsaoilers.com or by calling 918-632-7825.
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